~Wednesday, December 31, 2008, 9:00 PM

Tonight at midnight Father Time, the elderly representation of the past year with his hourglass and scythe, will handover his duties to the Baby New Year.  The celebration of this occasion dates back over 4000 years, and is a time to find a clear conscious before entering into the New Year.  It is a night for festivity, new beginnings, and resolutions.

One room of the Ministry has been transformed thanks to the tireless work of its employees into a spectacular winter ballroom.  The white floors and walls glow with soft blue light, snow flake patterns dancing on the walls around the room.  There is a large dance floor in the middle of the room with small cabaret tables and couches placed around the edge.  The tables are draped with light blue satin table clothes, the chairs surrounding them covered with white satin and matching blue bows.  On each table are centerpieces created from white roses and lilies surrounded by candles.

To the right of the main entrance is a bar offering refreshments for those in attendance.  On the left, emulated by the glow of the blue lights, is an ice sculpture of old Father Time and Baby New Year.  At the front of the room is a stage where the musicians have gathered to begin the evening with more the more traditional ball music.